ELLA

Each year, Engaged Latina Leadership Program (ELLA) participants, partake in a 3-day intensive working retreat where they have the opportunity to disconnect, recharge and grow. Some of the highlights from the retreat include the Conocimiento, which gave the ELLAs an opportunity to be vulnerable and get to know each other. On Saturday, March 27 Teresa Alvarado discussed how Latina Coalition Silicon Valley (LCSV) was formed and moderated an inspiring panel of former LCSV boardmembers. LCSV president, Jazmin Segura, and board member, Jaqui Guzman, led “Legislative Advocacy,” which prepared ELLAs for Latina Action Day on Tuesday, May 10th. On Sunday, Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Director of Santa Clara County’s Office of Women’s Policy gave an informative presentation on the three topics of focus for this year’s class: Human Trafficking, Voting and Pay Equity. The retreat came to a close with an engaging workshop on networking led by ELLA Chair, Nancy Sanchez.

Interested to hear about what our ELLA’s thought of the retreat? Check out some of their testimonials below!

“While on the retreat, I gained a better understanding of needing to provide myself with self-love. Being in the presence of many accomplished women who were confident made me realize that I belonged in the program because I indeed also had a lot to offer. I tried to balance out my time with my fellow ELLAs and being by myself so that I could learn more about myself through my interactions and the activities that were done, but also to be able to reflect on my experience. Overall, the retreat helped me learn more of myself, and it was amazing to be in the fresh mountains!”

-Rosaura

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Ella Program retreat. Being away from it all in the Santa Cruz Mountains was a great way to learn about LCSV and create bonds with other amazing Latinas. To be in a space with so many inspiring and driven womyn ignited a fire in me to create social and public policy. It also spoke volumes to me to hear Teresa Alvarado and other sisters of LCSV’s stories and where we should continue to go. I appreciated every moment of the retreat and I look forward to growing as an engaged Latina leader activist.”

-Desirae

“During this weekends’ retreat I gained more than I expected, it was great. I gained knowledge on important issues impacting the Latino community and what are things one can do to make a difference. I learned how to improve my networking skills by creating an effective minute introduction of myself which includes a goal and purpose of whom I am attempting to network and/or connect with. I gained empowerment and motivation by being surrounded by amazing, educated hard working women who are goal and career oriented seeking to make a difference in today’s world. And last but not least, I gained a support system and new friends who I am looking to develop a great relationship with. This retreat was very rewarding and I am thankful for it.”

–Zulema

Be sure to check back for more news on the 2016 class and stay up-to-date with the latest Latina Coalition and ELLA program updates via our Facebook and Twitter! As always, you can email ELLA@latinacoalition.org for ELLA related questions and assistant@latinacoalition.org for general Latina Coalition questions.

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Membership in the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley is open to anyone interested in joining us in our mission to educate and prepare Latinas in the areas of civic engagement and leadership development. Read more.